GPA

Marine Mechanics class seeking new traineesThe Marine Mechanics Skills for Life class, touted as a model for other communities around the nation, is scheduled to begin its 11th class Nov. 9.

As many as 16 participants can be enrolled in the new class.

Supported by several local marinas, the classes are held at the Ottawa County Resource Centre, SR 163, Oak Harbor, Monday through Thursday 5:30-9:30 p.m. The 16-week program is offered to the community through a collaborative effort of the Ottawa County Community Improvement Corporation, Penta Career Center and WSOS Community Action Commission, Inc.

The class provides students with program instruction and hands-on training in the proper use of all tools used in the marine mechanic industry; diagnosis, repair and replacement of all components of outboard motors and stern drive motors; as well as the maintenance and repair practices of seasonal marine work. Participants also receive a work ethics certification and boating education certification provided by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Watercraft Division.

It is designed as an open entry and open exit hands-on program that allows participants to master the skills of the marine trade in less than six months.

Participants who complete the requirements of this program can work at any marina across the nation. Upon graduation, some students earn scholarships to complete an advanced marine mechanic class at the Penta Volvo training center, an internationally known marine engine manufacturer with a location in Ottawa County.

For more information on enrolling in the Skills for Life Marine Mechanics program, call Angela Long or Roger Fisher at 419-334-8911 or toll free at 1-800-775-9767.

Waite alums plan reunionMembers of Waite High School class of 1984 will hold a 25-year reunion Oct. 2-3.

On Oct. 2, classmates will attend the Homecoming football game at 7 p.m. Those attending should sit under the press box for the game and then meet afterwards at Tony Packo’s on Front Street.

On Oct. 3, the alumni will meet at The Breakroom Lounge, 720 Illinois Ave., Maumee, at 7:30 p.m.

Engineering with LEGOSYouths ages 5-12 are invited to explore science, mathematics and creative thinking through the use of LEGO materials as Owens Community College offers fall LEGO Vehicles Engineering classes Sept. 30 through Nov. 5.

The classes will be offered through Owens’ Workforce and Community Services, which is located on Tracy Road in Northwood. The beginning class, for ages 5-7, will be held Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m., Sept. 30 - Nov. 4.

An advanced class for ages 8-12, will be offered Thursdays from 6-8 p.m., Oct. 1 through Nov. 5.

The classmates reminisced, and enjoyed entertainment by sisters Adah and Ortha Hoffenheimer.

Another reunion is planned for 2010.

Small Business BasicsThe Ohio Small Business Development Center at Terra Community College is offering free, two-hour seminars, “Small Business Basics,” designed to answer questions about starting, buying or expanding a small business.

Participants will learn the basics of name registration, licensing, taxes, zoning, business entities, employees, insurance, financing and business planning.

These events are free and open to the public. To register or for more information, call Bill Auxter, director of the Ohio Small Business Development Center at Terra Community College, toll-free 800-826-2431 or contact him by e-mailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..